Twitter Reactions: Shafiq's ton gives Pakistan hopes while Aussies are 2 short of a win

By Ankit Mishra

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4 Min Read

Asad Shafiq of Pakistan
info
Asad Shafiq of Pakistan celebrates with teammate Wahab Riaz. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Pakistan started the day at 70/2 with Azhar Ali and Younis Khan at the crease on 41 and 0 respectively. While the way they batted in the first innings it didn’t look like Pakistani batsmen will last long against the Australian bowling attack. They were folded for 142 in the first knock but showed a lot of determination in the second inning. Early in the day, Ali got to his half century but was dismissed on the individual score of 71 and left the team 3 down for 145.

Younis who had bagged a duck in the first inning was solid today and after his partnership with Ali was broken tried to hang in there and scored fifty but was soon moved by Nathan Lyon on 65. Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq was already back in the pavilion and Pakistan’s troubles looked serious. The target of 490 was too steep to start with and losing the middle-order without any substantial contribution had them in a position where Australia would have thought of closing the game on the day itself.

But it didn’t turn out like it appeared. The Pakistani players were not willing to give in without a tough fight. The Starcs, the Hazlewoods, the Birds and the Lyons weren’t able to crack through the 7th wicket partnership between Asad Shafiq and Mohammad Amir. While the latter was leading the charge the pacer also played some commendable shots. They added 92 runs together and defied the Aussies for 28.3 overs.

Bird finally had his man and dismissed Amir two short of his half century but Shafiq was unmoved, he put together another stand with Wahab Riaz this time as the fiery pacer hit some meaty blows. They added 66 runs together for the 9th wicket before Wahab was picked by Bird. Right before stumps Shafiq got to his century 10th Test ton and concluded the day unbeaten on 100 with Yasir Shah at the other end.

Pakistan have 382 runs in their account but more importantly, have lost 8 wickets while they still need 108 runs to win. Here is how Twitter reacted during the course of the day:

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PakistanAustraliaAsad Shafiq